Circle of Hope, a nonprofit based in Cornelia that provides temporary shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence or who are dealing with mental health or substance abuse issues, has been awarded $124,000 from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness among women.

The grant funding helps Circle of Hope quickly transition women and their children into permanent housing, where wraparound mental health and substance abuse services can be provided.

Stephanie Tolbert, associate director, said the grant award has been renewed every year since about 2008 or 2009.

Circle of Hope’s shelter provides shelter for up to 16 families continuously. Otherwise they “would be homeless with few options,” Tolbert said.

The grant award was part of more than $2 billion given last week to more than 7,300 homeless housing and service programs across the United States and Guam.

Tolbert said this funding will support Circle of Hope’s work in Habersham, White and Stephens counties.

Circle of Hope coordinates with other shelters and services for victims of domestic violence, including in Hall County, to ensure women and children are supported across the Northeast Georgia region, Tolbert said.